Dog handlers lace up their walking boots for canine colleagues

13 Mar 2019

Seventeen dog handlers are set to climb the Welsh three peaks on May 17th to raise money for our retired canine colleagues.

The team will be spending their days off climbing the three main summits in North, Mid and South Wales to raise money for the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund, an independent Registered Charity set up and run by volunteers to help towards veterinary and welfare costs associated with caring for retired police dogs to ensure our canine colleagues enjoy the retirement they deserve.

The officers plan to walk 17 miles with a total ascent of 2,334 metres in just 24 hours which will be both a mental and physical challenge. But it’s all for a good cause as while the handlers battle the elements, their fundraising efforts will be helping their four-legged friends live out their retirements enjoying a well-deserved rest.

Police dogs, like their human handlers, retire at the end of their working life or through injury or illness. Their dog handlers rehome them if they are able to while working with a new police dog or they are rehomed into the police family or by members of the public.

One retired police dog who will benefit from the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund is, RPD Baloo, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois who served with us from March 2018. She sadly had her career cut short after sustaining life-changing injuries.

Baloo and her handler, PC Ross Ashcroft, were deployed to a theft of a motor vehicle incident in October 2018 where Baloo was struck by a vehicle after a number of cars made off from the scene. Baloo was left with a broken pelvis and a badly broken leg which required emergency surgery. An investigation is ongoing.

Sadly, Baloo had to have one of her front legs amputated and will no longer be able to continue her career as a police dog.

Due to the nature of Ross’ role, he was unable to keep Baloo and with a heavy heart, looked for a loving home for Baloo to enjoy a well-earned rest after her service with us. She has recovered well from her injuries and rehabilitation is ongoing with her new owners Mandy and Victoria.

Ross still keeps in touch with Baloo and has organised for his team to take on the Welsh three peak challenge to help fundraise for Baloo and other retired police dogs, who will require on-going care and treatment.

Ross and his dog handler colleagues are all police officers who joined Essex Police to help make a difference to the lives of others. Do you want to become a police officer?

After completing your two year probationary period as a Police Constable, you’ll be eligible to apply for a number of specialist teams in our force from the Dog Section, to the Marine Unit or our firearms teams. Apply online today and start a career with endless opportunities: www.essex.police.uk/fitthebillGo to top